Sabarimala Prepared for Makaravilakku; Erumeli Pettathullal on Sunday

Sabarimala: The Makarajyothi and Makara Sankrama Pooja will be held at Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple on January 14, marking the end of the Mandala–Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. The temple will open at 2.45 pm, and the Sankrama Pooja will begin at 3 pm.

The rituals will be conducted under the chief officiation of Thantri Kandhar Mahesh Mohanar and Melsanthi E D Prasad Namboothiri. As per tradition, ghee sent through a special messenger from the Kowdiar Palace will be used for the abhishekam during the Sankrama Pooja.

Later in the evening, the Thiruvabharanam (ornaments) brought from the Pandalam Palace will be adorned on the deity. Deeparadhana will be held at 6.40 pm, coinciding with the lighting of the Makarajyothi at Ponnambalamedu. Purification rituals in preparation for the Makaravilakku will be held on January 12 and 13.

Fifteen Designated Viewing Points at Sannidhanam

At the Sannidhanam, 15 designated locations have been identified from where devotees can view the Makaravilakku without obstruction. Authorities have begun special security preparations at these points, with arrangements by various departments now in the final stages.

The approved viewing areas include the Thirumuttam, Malikappuram Manimandapam, Annadana Mandapam, Pandithavalam, Donor House courtyard, incinerator area, Pandithavalam water reservoir, the open ground behind the hotel complex, Darshan Complex premises, opposite the BSNL office, Koprakkalam, the Aazhi surroundings, Jyothi Nagar, Forest Office premises, and the Water Authority Office premises.

Pandithavalam, which accommodates the highest number of pilgrims, will have additional barricading installed by the Devaswom Board to regulate movement. Special police deployment and medical facilities from the Health Department will be ensured at all viewing points.

At Pampa, devotees will be permitted to view the Makaravilakku only from the hilltop. In light of past incidents, enhanced safety measures will be in place in the area. Beyond Sabarimala, the Makaravilakku will also be visible from Attathode, Angamoozhi Panjippara, Elavunkal, Nellimala, and Pullumedu, Parunthumpara and Panchalimed in Idukki district.

Pettathullal on Sunday; Erumeli Chandanakkudam Today

The Erumeli Chandanakkudam festival will be held on Saturday, followed by the traditional Pettathullal on Sunday. Marking the beginning of the Chandanakkudam festival, a coordination meeting jointly organised by the Ambalappuzha group and the Erumeli Mahallu Jamaath will be held at the mosque auditorium at 3 pm on Saturday.

A public meeting at the mosque compound at 6 pm will be inaugurated by Minister V N Vasavan, while the Chandanakkudam procession will be flagged off by Minister V Abdurahiman. The procession, which will pass through Erumeli town, is scheduled to conclude at the mosque compound around 2.30 am on Sunday.

On Sunday around noon, the Ambalappuzha group’s Pettathullal will commence from the Erumeli Kochambalam, followed by the Alangattu group’s Pettathullal at 3 pm.